So much depends on the specifics of the pieces of wood in question. What might be true of pine in Texas could be quite different from England. I suspect the species in Texas would be one of the many varieties grouped as southern yellow pine which tends to be hard and dense and the quality will vary with time and place. In my area white pine is common and is lighter and softer than spruce. I have a good collection of clear white pine and clear spruce in my shop and while the spruce would be my first choice the pine would do as well in its place. Like the fella says, "It all depends..."